Straight-to-video garbage, The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning is borderline unwatchable. The “acting” is just abysmal and is painful to watch, and the writing is awful (particularly the narrations and really all the dialog). The sets and costumes look incredibly cheap and the music is as corny as all get-out. The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning has no respect for the original television series and goes out of its way to be as insulting a red-neck caricature as possible.
“Remember the Alamo!” A powerful war drama, The Alamo delivers an inspiring tale of courage and sacrifice. The story follows a group of settlers who have come to Texas searching for a new start, including frontiersmen Davy Crockett and James Bowie, but end up under siege at an old Spanish mission called The Alamo by the Mexican Army, which has come to squash the Texas Revolution. Featuring Dennis Quaid, Billy Bob Thornton, Jason Patric, and Patrick Wilson, the film has a strong cast. And the sets and costumes are remarkable well-done, giving a real authentic feel for the time-period. However, the violence has been sanitized somewhat, as there’s little blood or gore. Yet despite a few weaknesses, The Alamo presents a compelling depiction of this battle, the men who fought it, and how it led to the formation of Texas.
Keira Knightley and Jason Clarke star in the rather dull and meandering war drama The Aftermath. In the months following the Allied victory in Europe during World War II a British housewife goes to Germany to be with her husband who’s part of the British command overseeing the occupation, however when they let a Germany family whose house they’ve been quartered at stay tensions rise and relationships begin to be torn apart. Both Knightley and Clarke give lackluster, underwhelming performances, and no one else is particularly good either. And the writing is especially poor, as the dramatic tensions and conflicts all kind of frizzle out. However, the production values are remarkably good, making for a beautiful looking film. Yet despite having a few things going for it, The Aftermath is incredibly disappointing and falls flat.
Tree finds herself stuck in a time-loop with a killer once again in Happy Death Day 2U. Just when she thought that time had been restored to normal a lab accident knocks Tree into another dimension in another time-loop where everything is different except that she’s still being hunted by a killer. The plot’s a little confusing and is rushed in the beginning, but then it slows down and gets kind of interesting as Tree realizes the differences in dimensions and starts thinking about the what ifs and whether or not she want to return to her dimension. The tone is more comedic than the original, with a lot of slapstick and overacting. Yet the change in tone kind of works as the absurdist humor keeps things lighthearted and fun. While Happy Death Day 2U is different than the original, it’s still an entertaining horror-comedy (or maybe it’s a sci-fi comedy).
Desperately trying to recapture the magic of the original, and failing, Mary Poppins Returns is a whimsical family film with no heart. The fates once again call on Mary Poppins when Michael Banks, now a widower, is about to lose his house and his children are despite to help him save it. Emily Blunt takes on the iconic role of Mary Poppins, but as good as she is she’s no Julie Andrews and comes off as a little more stern and less kind. And the musical numbers aren’t nearly as catchy and fun as those from the original film. A couple are alright, but most of them go on too long, are over produced, and try too hard to be charming and lighthearted. The writing isn’t that good either, as much of the film seems forced and contrived. While it’s entertaining and has a bit of the original’s spirit, Mary Poppins Returns doesn’t have its passion or its sincerity.
The X-Men franchise comes to an end with Dark Phoenix, a thrilling sci-fi adventure. During a mission to rescue the crew of a space shuttle Jean Grey absorbs a strange energy cloud that causes her to lose control of her powers and become a danger to those around her; meanwhile an alien race called the D’Bari tracks the energy to Earth and attempts extract it from Jean. Writer/director Simon Kinberg does some interesting things with the characters, but breaks from the established series continuity (which is rather irritating). Also, the plot is rushed and doesn’t spend any time explaining who the aliens are. And Jessica Chastain is criminally underused. Still, the special effects are especially well-done, and the fight scenes are exciting and action-packed. While it has some problems, Dark Phoenix is an entertaining film that unfortunately brings an end to the Fox chapter of this franchise.
A mediocre supernatural thriller, Gothika is rather disappointing. When criminal psychiatrist Dr. Miranda Grey has a blackout and wakes up in prison accused of murdering her husband she has to try to remember what happened and convince people that she’s not crazy in order to exonerate herself. Starring Halle Berry, Robert Downey Jr., and Penelope Cruz, the film has a pretty strong cast; however their performances are rather lackluster. Also, the script has some issues; i.e. the investigation only serves to find more damning evidence against her and the resolution is inexplicable. Still, the film does a good job at creating suspense and intrigue. And the set designs, music, and cinematography set a creepy, foreboding tone. Gothika has some problems, but it also delivers some chilling moments as well.
From writer/director Jason Reitman comes the political drama The Front Runner, a compelling look at the Gary Hart sex scandal. The film follows three weeks of Senator Gary Hart’s 1988 presidential campaign when he went from the front runner for the Democratic nomination to a scandal ridden politician who was forced to withdraw after being caught having an extramarital affair. Interestingly though, Reitman doesn’t really focus on the affair, but instead looks at how it forever altered the press; which had previously turned a blind eye to a politician’s womanizing. Particularly relevant to today’s political climate, the film explores what is news and what the public has a right to know. However, it does come off as a little preachy and pro-Hart. Hugh Jackman, Vera Farmiga, JK Simmons, and Sara Paxton lead the cast and deliver some strong performances. And the production designers do a good job at creating an authentic look and feel for the late ‘80s. A thought-provoking biopic, The Front Runner tells an interesting story about the beginning of a culture shift that demanded more openness and accountability of politicians.
The NOVA documentary Why the Towers Fell is a fascinating exploration into how the Word Trade Center disaster happened. The film follows the investigation of a blue ribbon committee that was appointed to analyze the World Trade Center collapse. Through computer modeling experts discover how the towers weathered the seemingly impossible task of withstanding a head-on aerial collision. And, engineers examine the unique design of the World Trade Center, and how it possibly contributed to the structural failure. Why the Towers Fell provides an engaging look into one of the most cataclysmic events in American history.
Stand By Me is a compelling and touching coming-of-age film by director Rob Reiner. Based on a novella by Stephen King, the story follows four friends who go searching for the body of a missing kid, hoping to claim a reward. Starring Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O'Connell, the film has an impressive cast that has great chemistry together and gives incredibly good performances. The characters are also exceptionally well-written; feeling especially real and relatable. And, the costumes and set designs have a remarkably authentic 1950s Americana look that has a nostalgic quality to it. Additionally, the soundtrack is extraordinarily well-done; capturing the playful, carefree youth of the characters. A wonderful film about friendship and the loss of innocence, Stand By Me is a timeless classic.
A modern update of Day of the Dead, Patient Zero is a frightening horror-thriller. In the aftermath of a rage virus that turns people rabid, a secret underground military base experiments on the infected looking for a cure; but when they discover an Infected who’s intelligent and doesn’t react like the others they start to question everything they think they know. Featuring Natalie Dormer and Stanley Tucci, the film has a pretty strong cast, and the writers do a good job at setting up the post-apocalyptic world and the Infection. Additionally, the action scenes are well-done and full of suspense. Yet the blood and gore never gets gratuitous (as most zombie/virus films want to do). Patient Zero is a smart and exciting Romero-esque horror film.
Incredibly boring, The Amityville Murders tells the true-ish story of the 1974 DeFeo murders. In the fall of 1974 troubled teenager Ronald DeFeo Jr. is slowly driven mad by an abusive father and shadow spirits until he snaps and kills his entire family. Unfortunately there’s no real suspense, as Ronald looks and acts crazy from the jump. And despite a few attempts to attribute Ron’s spirit visions to drugs use and hints at possible mob involvement, the film clearly depicts the supernatural as real and responsible for the murders (as Ronald and others claim). The performances are rather bland and none of the characters are all that interesting. Among the myriad of films made about Amityville, The Amityville Murders is one of the weaker and more forgettable entries.
A rote crime thriller, Acts of Violence is a pretty standard revenge film. When a young woman is abducted her fiancé and his two brothers team-up to find her and discover that she’s being held by a crime boss who’s running a sex trafficking ring. Featuring Cole Hauser, Shawn Ashmore, Sofia Bush, and Bruce Willis, the film has a fairly strong cast. And the action scenes are especially well-done. However, the script is rather weak and does a poor job at integrating the main plot with a subplot about a burned out cop who’s investigating missing girls and gets a lead on the crime boss who’s behind their abductions. Also, the film doesn’t really develop a sense of family between the brothers. Still, the performances by the cast are able to make up for some of the script’s weaknesses. While Acts of Violence is underdeveloped, there’s a fair amount of suspense and intrigue and it does some interesting things with the material.
The climatic final chapter of The Maze Runner trilogy, The Death Cure is an exciting sci-fi thriller. After a failed attempt to save Minho from WICKED Thomas and his band of rebels track him to the last city where they met some old friends who help them break into the labs to rescue him. The screenwriters do a good job at adapting the novel, making it more cinematic and action-packed. And the special effects are really well-done, making for some thrilling and intense fight sequences. Additionally, the score enhances the action and adventure. Entertaining and full of thrills, The Death Cure provides a strong conclusion to this remarkable series.
A rote B-movie, Hunter Killer is a fairly entertaining yet mediocre action film. When a US submarine is sunk in Russian waters while conducting an exercise an emergency mission is launched to investigate and discovers that a rogue element in the Russian military is attempting to cease power and start a war. Starring Gerard Butler, Gary Oldman, Common, and Linda Cardellini, the film has a solid cast; however, their performances are rather weak. The writing isn’t very good either, as the plot is pretty outlandish and the dialog is kind of cheesy. And the CGI, though not bad, really sticks out and doesn’t blend well with the live-action scenes. Still, there are some exciting and intense action sequences. Hunter Killer has its moments, but it’s too ambitious for its own good.
Beirut is an exciting political thriller that’s full of intrigue. The story follows a former US diplomat who’s recruited by the CIA to negotiate a hostage exchange in Beirut, but when internal politics get in the way he’s forced to go outsider of official channels to save the hostage. Starring Jon Hamm, Rosamund Pike, and Mark Pellegrino, the film has a pretty strong cast. And it does a good job at creating tension and suspense. Also, the costumes and sets are especially well-done, creating an authentic look and feel for the time period. However, it can be a little confusing to follow the different political factions and the deals and trades being made. Yet despite a few script problems, Beirut is an intense and gripping drama.
Jigsaw is back (or is he) in this latest installment of the Saw franchise. When a police informant claims that a new Jigsaw game is underway and bodies start coming in the police find themselves in a race against time to find out who’s running the game and save the captives. Featuring Callum Keith Rennie, Laura Vandervoort, and Tobin Bell, the cast is pretty decent. However, the story kind of muddles up the chronology of the series (making it even more convoluted). Yet the mystery of who’s the new Jigsaw, and the subsequent investigation are fairly intriguing. But what really counts in a Saw film are the traps, and a couple of these are rather clever (others are ridiculously complicated). A mediocre entry in the franchise, Jigsaw more or less follows the series formula and delivers what one would expect.
Logan takes a giant sh** on the X-Man franchise, destroying everything fans have come to enjoy. Set in a distant future where mutants are nearly extinct Logan works as a part-time limo driver caring for a mentally ill Charles Xavier, until a nurse informs him of a secret government program that’s genetically engineering new mutants and seeks his help in getting one of them, a little girl, to a safe haven in Canada. The film completely undoes everything Days of Future Past did (which was to create a better, more hopeful future), and presents a rather nihilistic view where nothing the X-Men did amounted to anything. The action scenes are really good, and take advantage of the R rating by not holding back on the blood and violence. And Hugh Jackman gives one of his best performances of the series. But Logan is just too dark and gritty, there’s no fun to it and it casts a shadow over the whole franchise.
A Private War is gritty and raw character drama about Sunday Times journalist Marie Colvin. The film follows the last ten years of Colvin’s life reporting on conflicts in Sri Lonka, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria, along with her struggles with PTSD and substance abuse. Rosamund Pike gives an incredible performance, really transforming herself into her character. However, the script is rather weak and doesn’t do a particularly good job at getting at what drove her to do the work she did, or chose the places she did, or what made her voice unique from others. Yet while it has some weaknesses, A Private War is a powerful and provocative film about the life of a war correspondent.
Mediocre and formulaic, Twinsanity is a timid psychological thriller that lacks grit. When Leeann finds her twin sister pulling away and asserting her independence by ending their business partnership, she goes to extremes to get her back. The two leads Karissa and Katie Strain work well enough, but don’t really have a lot of range. And the plot is rather thin and seems to be stretching to fill the runtime. Additionally, the film is constantly holding back: not taking Leeann full villain until the very end. There’s a bit of intrigue and suspense, but overall Twinsanity is pretty underwhelming.
All Light Will End is a poorly made and confounding horror film. When a young writer who’s plagued by disturbing dreams returns home for her brother’s graduation a terrible secret from her past is unearthed. Lead actress Ashley Pereira is really bad and the weak script doesn’t help any. The directing isn’t that good either, doing little to ratchet up the tension and suspense. Additionally, the cheap, spartan sets just scream low-budget schlock. Incredibly dull and uninspired, All Light Will End is an ineffective psychological thriller that’s not very engaging.
A bizarre sci-fi/road trip film, Kin doesn’t seem to know what it wants to be. The story follows a young boy who finds an alien gun while collecting scrap metal and then takes off on a road trip with his older brother when their father is killed during a robbery by a crime lord that the older brother is in debt to. There’s three different plots going on here and none of them are served very well; the alien one in particular seems almost completely disconnected from the rest of the film. Also, it’s kind of hard to root for the brothers as the older one corrupts the younger, taking him to a strip club, using him to pull off a robbery, and then taking him to a casino. And the few good actors that there are in the cast, Dennis Quaid, James Franco, and Zoë Kravitz, are completely wasted in underdeveloped supporting roles. While it has a few exciting moments and some intrigue, Kin is a mess.
From director Rob Cohen comes the fun, high-adrenaline action film The Hurricane Heist. The story follows a meteorologist who attempts to rescue his estranged brother from a group of mercenaries who are using a hurricane to cover their robbing of a Federal Reverse bank. It’s a pretty ridiculous and formulaic plot, but that doesn’t really matter as it’s all about the action. And the action sequences are incredibly exciting. The mix of practice effects and CGI make for some extraordinary chases and fight scenes. Also, the score does a good job at heightening the tension and suspense. The Hurricane Heist is an entertaining popcorn film that, while silly and over-the-top, is also a lot of fun.
A terrible film (if it can be called that) by Clint Eastwood, The 15:17 to Paris tells the real life story of a thwarted 2015 terrorist attack. More of a re-enactment than a film, it follows the lives of three best friends (played by the actual people) leading up to a European vacation in which they encounter an Islamic terrorist intent on carrying out a mass shooting aboard a train to Paris. The storytelling is really piss-poor; there’s no real plot, just random episodes of three guy’s lives, and it’s pretty clear that they don’t have much acting talent. The 15:17 to Paris is a poorly made film that fails to find a compelling story behind this extraordinary event of heroism and bravery.
Mara is a poorly made and uninspired rote horror film. The story follows a forensic psychologist named Kate Fuller who comes to believe that a sleep demon named Mara is responsible for a series of bizarre murders and begins to work with a former vet to find a way to stop her. Olga Kurylenko is horribly miscast and isn’t the least bit believable as a forensic psychologist. And the director pulls out every hackney cliché and trope in the book, making the film look desperate. Completely ineffective, Mara isn’t at all frightening and doesn’t deliver any scares (even the jump scares are lame).
Dark and disturbing, Malicious is a creepy and atmospheric horror film. After having a miscarriage a young wife begins to see evil spirits, which starts a rift between her and her skeptic husband. Bojana Novakovic gives a strong performance and writer/director Michael Winnick does a good job at setting a mysterious and foreboding tone. However, the plot’s a little weak and leaves a number of things unexplained. Also, the make-up effects are rather lackluster and cliché. Malicious delivers some scares, but ends up being a mediocre thriller.
Operation Finale is a rather mediocre true life drama that’s not very engaging. When former Nazi SS officer Adolf Eichmann, the man behind Hitler’s Final Solution, is discovered living in Argentina the Mossad launch a covert mission to extradite him to Israel to stand trial. Oscar Isaac and Ben Kingsley lead the cast and give fairly decent performances. However, the script doesn’t do a very good job at developing the characters or at showing why the mission was so important to them. Also, there’s not a lot of tension or suspense; it a pretty straight forward abduction that doesn’t live up to the importance of the event. Yet despite the poor execution, Operation Finale is an interesting story about one of the most significant war crimes prosecutions of the 20th century.
Beatrix Potter’s beloved characters are brought to life in the family comedy Peter Rabbit. After Jeremy Fisher inherits a country farm from his uncle he gets more than he bargained for when a rabble of farm animals, led by a mischievous rabbit, begin pilfering his garden. Featuring Rose Burn along with the voice talents of James Corden, Margot Robbie, and Daisy Ridley, the film has a pretty strong cast. And the CGI is especially good, as are the character designs for the animals. Also, the comedy is really funny, with jokes and gags for all ages. Delivering a lot of laughs, Peter Rabbit is a fun and entertaining film.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier is an ambitious and exciting film that takes on controversial real-world issues. Addressing the theme of security vs. freedom, the plot follows Steve Rogers as he investigates a possible cabal within SHIELD that's responsible for the assassination of Nick Fury. Starring Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, and Emily VanCamp, the casting is especially good and features some very strong performances. The special effects are also incredibly well-done and add an extra level of energy and intensity to the action sequences. Yet as strong an action film as Captain America: The Winter Soldier is, it makes some radical changes to the Avenger series and leaves it in an awkward place.
DC makes a hard turn toward the fantastical with James Wan’s Aquaman. When King Orm attempts to unite the kingdoms of Atlantis to attack the surface world Princess Mera seeks out the help of Arthur Curry, the king’s half-brother, to stop Orm’s coming war. Starring Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Patrick Wilson, Willem Dafoe, Dolph Lundgren, and Nicole Kidman, the film has an impressive cast. And, the special effects are pretty good; featuring a lot of interesting set and creature designs, creating a fascinating new world within the DC Universe. However, the plot is formulaic and the Atlantis mythology is rather bizarre. Still, despite some problems, Aquaman is an incredibly fun and entertaining action film.
